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Vibrating Seats for Safety?

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2014-gmc-sierra

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the 2014 GMC Sierra will have a safety option that includes a vibrating seat. Yes, a vibrating seat. How does this relate to safety? Well, imagine if you got distracted by a flashy billboard or beautiful sunset, causing you to drift into another lane. As you drift, your seat would vibrate to notify you of the danger and you would hopefully veer back into your lane. Using cameras, the GMC truck would also be able to spot how close you are to other drivers and vibrate your seat if things get dangerously close.

This may sound silly, but it’s actually an interesting concept. Considering that statistically, it’s safer to drive with others than alone, this new feature could help serve as wingman when you get distracted. The quote from GM mentions the feature being that “passenger” to warn you when you are veering off or about to hit another vehicle. The drawback to this strategy is that if it doesn’t function accurately or it malfunctions, you could be driving around with your seat vibrating all day…which would be annoying and potentially hazardous your health. Let’s wait and see what GM releases, but for now, will remain cautiously optimistic.

Click here to read the entire story.

GM Recalls Canyon and Colorado on Faulty Electronics

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GM is recalling around 5,000 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks due to faulty seatbelt electronics. The electronics may fail to warn the driver of incompletely latched seat belts, which is an issue if you think your seatbelt is engaged. General Motors is notifying owners right around now (late Nov/early Dec) and they will replace the faulty electronics for free.

For more information, consumers can call the GM customer support (Chevy at 800-630-2438 and GMC at 866-996-9463) or visit the NHTSA website: www.SaferCar.gov

SoCal SAYS: Yes, a recall on two of GM’s that are lower volume than the Sierra or Silverado. We recommend getting it fixed if you get a recall notice, but in our opinion, this isn’t that big of a deal. The electronics may malfunction, but most of us know when our seatbelt is engaged. Get it fixed though if you get a notice.

GMC Unveils Their New All Terrain Concept

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General Motors revealed their answer to the Ford Raptor and the RAM Power Wagon at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. What is it? The GMC Sierra All-Terrain HD. You may be wondering how this is different from a standard Sierra. It has a double wishbone suspension with Fox Shocks, 35″ BFG Mud-Terrains and 20″ wheels. It also has a Denali interior and a power outlet in the bed of the truck. Will the Sierra All Terrain HD ever make it to market? Not sure, but if it does, it should do well.

SoCal SAYS: Although this will never replace lifting a truck yourself, it’s a nice solution to the guy who wants to buy a truck that is more than stock. We actually like the look of this GMC concept over the Raptor. Not to mention that it’s audience is much broader than the pre-runner market. We give General Motors a lot of credit for building a truck that actually looks pretty nice and has top quality parts (Fox, BFG). Maybe bankruptcy was a good thing after all…

U.S. Senator From Massachusetts Drives a Truck

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Did you know that someone in the U.S. Senate actually drives a truck? Did you know that he comes from one of the more liberal states in the nation? That’s right, Scott Brown, Senator from Massachusetts drives a GMC Canyon. Now, we were hoping he drove a Silverado or maybe a 2500 HD, but at least he drives a truck. Not only that, he is proud of it and even ran a campaign ad with the truck. Here it is:

SoCal SAYS: Scott, it’s not surprising that you won considering you drive a truck. Trucks are good looking, fun to drive, and very functional for moving, hauling, or towing things. We would love it if you lifted your Canyon or upgraded to a Silverado. That may be too “flashy” for a Senator, but give it a thought. Thanks for supporting trucks across the nation.

GMC to Offer Natural Gas Powered Truck

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GMC plans to release a truck in late 2012 that can run on compressed natural gas or unleaded gasoline. It will only be available to fleet buyers or commercial buyers, but we bet they will get to the regular consumer by 2013. Ford also offers this type of truck, as seen in our article earlier this month. Compressed natural gas can be purchased for around $0.80-$2.00 a gallon depending on the state you live in.

SoCal SAYS: It’s great to see the two largest truck makers offering a clean, fuel efficient solution. The biggest complaint from lifted truck owners is how much they pay in gas. With this new model, you could see your gas bill drop significantly and know that you are burning cleaner fuel. The best of both worlds!